When submersed in normal drinking water with vinegar added into the solution to act as a catalyst, within a matter of days the metal bearings start to degrade. The lubricant begins to leach out of the metal ball bearings and they begin to corrode - this compromises the rail’s surface, resulting in inconsistent running performance.
The drylin T system, on the other hand, remains completely unaffected and in pristine condition. Because the system is lubrication-free it is maintenance-free and environmentally-friendly. It is also insensitive to dirt, water, chemicals, heat or impacts. Further tests at the igus facility indicate that the drylin T linear system is up to 40% more cost-effective than recirculating ball bearing guides.
